Battle of Loudoun Hill

The Battle of Loudoun Hill (10 May 1307) was a battle of the Wars of Scottish Independence that was fought between a small Scottish force under King Robert Bruce and a larger English army under Aymer de Valence.

Following Bruce's first success at the Battle of Glen Trool, he then passed through the moors by Dalmellington to Muirkirk, appearing in the north of Ayrshire in early May, where his army was strengthened by fresh recruits. Soon, his old rival, the English commander Aymer de Valence, encountered the Scots on boggy land near Loudoun Hill. The Scottish schiltrons pressed downhill on the disorganized English knights, and the English army's rear ranks began to flee in panic as their frontal forces struggled. The English army was defeated, and Aymer de Valence was forced to flee to Bothwell Castle. Loudoun Hill was Bruce's first major victory over the English, and it ensured the survival of the Scottish rebellion against the English.